The room was filled with soft murmurs and the faint scent of roses as Zara sat on one side of the floral curtain, her hands gripping the edge of her dupatta. Her heart raced, her nerves building with each passing second. The fairy lights overhead cast a warm glow, making everything feel like a dream.
On the other side, Zaviyaar sat quietly, his fingers tapping against his knee. He could feel the weight of the moment, the kind of feeling that made your chest tight yet full all at once. He couldn't see her, but he knew she was there, and that was enough to make him smile.
The molvi sahab's voice broke through the hum of whispers. "Zara Ahmed bint-e- Usman Ahmed, aapko Zaviyaar Ahmed bin Abdullah Ahmed ke nikah mein diya jaata hai kya aapko ye nikah qubool hai?"
Zara took a shaky breath. "Qubool hai," she answered, her voice trembling.
The question was asked again, and then once more, "Qubool hai... Qubool hai."
Zaviyaar closed his eyes for a second his lips smiling, when her words reached him, his heart settling. When it was his turn, he answered with a calm confidence. "Qubool hai... Qubool hai... Qubool hai."
Whispers of Mashallah and duas echoed all around.
Zaviyaar stood up, adjusting his sherwani, his hands brushing against the fabric as if steadying himself. The curtain was drawn aside, and for a moment, he paused. There she was, sitting quietly, her head lowered, her face hidden by her veil.
He walked toward her, each step slow and deliberate, his heart thudding in his chest. As he knelt slightly in front of her, his hands reached for the edge of her veil. He lifted it gently, revealing her face.
Zara looked up, her eyes meeting his for the first time as his wife. Her cheeks turned pink, her lips curling into a nervous smile. Zaviyaar couldn't help but smile back, his gaze soft and full of admiration.
Leaning in, he kissed her forehead softly, his voice a whisper. "Khoobsurat."
Before Zara could say anything, the moment was interrupted by loud hoots and claps from the younger siblings.
Zaviyar chuckled, shaking his head as Zara's cheeks flushed deeper.
The place filled with laughter and clapping, the playful teasing breaking the tension and making the moment even more special. For Zaviyaar and Zara, it was the perfect start to their forever.
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The time for rukhsati had arrived, and the air was thick with bittersweet emotions. Zara stood surrounded by her family, her mother pulled her into a tight embrace. The warmth of her mother's arms only made it harder to hold back the tears threatening to spill.Zaviyaar stood at a short distance, watching her quietly. His hands were clasped together, his expression calm, but his heart was heavy. He had dreamed of this moment, but watching Zara bid farewell to her family brought a lump to his throat.
Shaheer, trying to break the tension, stepped forward with his usual mischievous grin. "Arre, bhabhi abhi to bas room 504 se 302 shift ho rahi hai, itna kya rona? Accha, chaliye lift se chali jaaiyega, aur jaldi pohanch jaiyega!"
A few chuckles broke out, but Hassan smacked him on the shoulder. "Shut up, idiot. Learn to read the room!"
Zara let out a soft, watery laugh, wiping her tears with the corner of her dupatta. "Shaheer, tum kabhi serious nahi ho sakte, na?"
Shaheer grinned sheepishly but stayed quiet, not wanting to push further.
Her father stepped closer, his hand trembling slightly as he placed it gently on her head. His voice was thick with emotion as he whispered, "Hamesha khush rehna, meri gudiya. Allah tumhare liye asaaniyan kare."
Zara nodded, biting her lip to keep from breaking down, but the sight of his teary eyes made it impossible. She hugged him tightly, her silent sobs muffled against his shoulder.
Samaira came forward, her eyes red and puffy as she hugged Zara fiercely. "I'll miss you so much, Appi," she sobbed, clinging to her sister.
Shaheer's grin faltered as he saw Samaira breaking down. His usual cheeky demeanor softened, and he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, looking away as his own throat tightened.
Mahim couldn't hold back her tears, her childhood bestfriend was leaving.
Finally, Zara turned toward Zaviyaar, her steps hesitant. He stepped forward, his hand reaching out to hers without hesitation. The warmth of his touch steadied her, grounding her in the chaos of emotions.
"Zara," he said softly, his voice carrying only to her. She looked up at him, her tear-filled eyes meeting his steady gaze.
"You're not leaving anything behind," he said, his thumb gently brushing her hand. "They'll always be a part of you. And now... so will I."
His words were simple, but they wrapped around her like a blanket of comfort. A small, trembling smile tugged at her lips, and she gave him a slight nod.
Hand in hand, Zaviyaar guided Zara forward; their journey as husband and wife had begun. The lights twinkled above them like scattered stars, casting a warm glow over the moment. Behind them, the soft laughter and murmurs of family filled the air, wrapping the evening in tenderness.
Zara glanced back once, her heart heavy yet full, her gaze locking on her family. Through their tears, they smiled-love, prayers, and unspoken blessings radiating from their faces as they waved her forward.
With a deep breath, Zara turned back, her hand tightening slightly around Zaviyar's. Together, they stepped into the future, their hearts filled with hope, love, and the promise of a lifetime ahead.
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.I don't own any of the pictures used. Credits to respective owners.
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Here's the update, guys! This might be one of the last few chapters of this book. Your support has meant the world to me, and I can't thank you enough for being part of this journey. Please show some love and let me know your thoughts as we approach the end!
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THE DESTINED CONFLUENCE
RomanceWhen Zaviyaar and Zara's paths converge, will the flames of love unite them or tear them apart? Zaviyaar, haunted by the painful memories of his childhood, and Zara, with dreams that hold a special place in her heart, come together for an arranged m...